In an attempt to understand what happens in the brain of schizophrenics, researchers analysed proteins in the brains of rats who had been given the hallucinogen PCP.
Ketamine, an anesthetics which has been commonly used as an illicit party drug, is helping people overcome depression. The drug works rapidly and provides lasting relief from depressive symptoms for weeks after exposure. Researchers are examining how ketamine works in the brain to help positively influence behavior in those with mood disorders.
Reduced levels of an amino acid called betaine is associated with schizophrenia pathology. Supplementing betaine levels improved cognitive and behavioral deficits in mouse models of schizophrenia. The amino acid also reduced oxidative stress at the molecular level.
Study identifies the main components driving amyloid beta-associated synaptic degeneration.
The planar cell polarity (PCP) signaling pathway appears to play a significant role in the formation and maintenance of a large number of synapses.
